Most people simply don't care about knowing about the world at all. It's very sad.

Quote (Antza2)

Curiosity is the force that has driven the development of civilizations for thousands of years.

Did you guys saw a movie called "Idiocracy? " The idea of this movie fit quite well to these issues, It's a caricature of the possible future of humanity. I'm not a big fan of this kind of comedies but the concept of this one worth to take a look at it. Here you have the trailer and the introduction of the film.

I saw it partially at my friends house. It was pretty funny, but at the same time made me think where this world is going. I don't believe that even if USA regresses into idiocy, the world would follow. People in other places are too smart for that. (mostly)

Quote (HarbingerDawn)

It is pretty hard to grow crops when you try to water them with Mountain Dew

This is a sad truth that has long been known. Surveys have shown that in the United States, an openly atheist candidate would be even less electable than a Muslim candidate (or any other group/religion). Welcome to the world of the sheeple.

I never called myself an Atheist but ever since I was really young I knew what evidence was and I knew there was none to support the outlandish claims many religious people spout. Nowadays I just tell people, when they ask, that I don't found my views in life on superstition and fairy tales.

Quote (Antza2)

This is totally unacceptable. Why is this allowed?

People are free to believe what they want and act on those beliefs as long as they do not infringe on others rights. You have to expect such things to happen.

People are free to believe what they want and act on those beliefs as long as they do not infringe on others rights.

If these kinds of acts were being perpetrated against other minority groups, they would be labeled as hate crimes. And even if it is human nature to act like this it doesn't mean that we need to accept it.

I don't mean to sound like I'm lashing out or anything, I just feel strongly about this subject, all the more so as I've had to deal with it directly in my life.

I am not supporting anyone's actions but there are extremists on all sides. It doesn't matter if you are deeply religious or anti religion there are always going to be someone or a group of people who will take their views to the extreme.

Quote (HarbingerDawn)

all the more so as I've had to deal with it directly in my life.

Most people have, including myself, but you shouldn't let that give you a bias towards people with differing opinions/beliefs. I'm not saying I am infallible to bias but I understand the best way to understand why someone believes what they do is to try and see it from their point of view.

I can't blame people for the people they are or what society/environment they were brought up in.

I don't blame people for either of those things either, I only hold them accountable to their actions. That's the only thing I really have issue with. Where this bleeds over however is that belief informs action, so if someone has beliefs that will invariably cause them to take negative actions, then I have a problem with both their actions and their reasons for committing those actions with unwavering resolve. There is no happy balance to strike...